Game Recap: Yankees 9, Twins 6

[Andrew Thares]

As they usually do against the Minnesota Twins, the New York Yankees lineup came to play tonight, as they scored nine runs on fourteen hits, four of which left the ballpark.

Judge and Stanton Clobber Dobnak

It sure feels like a long time since the Twins threw Randy Dobnak in Game 2 of the ALDS against this Yankees lineup. In that game, Dobnak gave up four runs in 2+ innings pitched. Tonight didn’t go much better for the struggling right-hander, as Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton tee’d off on him. Together, Judge and Stanton combined to go 5-for-6 off Dobnak with three home runs and two doubles.

In the first, it was Aaron Judge who got the home run derby started, as he cleared the fence in left-center field to put the Yankees up 1-0.

 

The Yankees added another run in the second thanks to back-to-back two out hits, the latter being an RBI double from Brett Gardner that put the Yankees up 2-0. The third inning is where the Yankees busted things open. Aaron Judge ledoff the inning with a double that was followed by a Gleyber Torres walk. This set the table for Giancarlo Stanton who promptly blasted a no-doubter to straight away center field.

 

After a scoreless fourth, the Yankees lineup went back to taking batting practice off of Rany Dobnak in the fifth. The inning started with a Gleyber Torres walk that preceded Gincarlo Stanton’s second home run of the game. This one just barley clearing the scoreboard in right-center field.

 

Following that Stanton home run, Gio Urshela ripped a base hit up the middle, but didn’t stay on the bases long as Rougned Odor followed that up with a double-play groundout. Just as Dobnak looked like he was about to get out of the inning, he served up his fourth home run of the night, this time to Miguel Andujar.

 

Kyle Higashioka followed that up with a single, which finally closed the book on a rough night for Randy Dobnak. Griffin Jax came in and needed just one batter to finally get the Twins out of the inning.

Polanco and Sano Both Take Gerrit Cole Deep

In what was an otherwise shutdown start from Yankees ace, there were a couple of bright spots from the Twins lineup as both Jorge Polanco and Miguel Sano connected on a Gerrit Cole fastball, taking him deep for a couple of solo shots.

 

 

Twins Bats Awaken in 4-run 9th

It was a little too late for a comeback, but the Twins bats did show a little bit of life in the bottom of the 9th, as they entered the inning trailing by a score of 9-2. Alex Kirilloff got things going with a one out triple that just narrowly missed clearing the fence in center field. He then came in to score one batter later on a Miguel Sano single. After an Andrelton Simmons groundout, which advanced Sano to second base, Gilberto Celestino picked up his first career MLB hit, as he laced a line drive up the middle. 

 

A wild pitch from Yankees reliever Brooks Kriske brought Miguel Sano in from third, and allowed Celestino to advance to second. Later in that same at-bat, Jorge Polanco connected on his second home run of the game, this time off the foul poll in right. This was just the second career multi-homer game for Jorge Polanco, and the first since 2017.

 

The comeback effort fell short, however, as Josh Donaldson flew out to right to end the ballgame.

No Drama Between Cole and Donaldson

There was a lot of drama heading into tonight’s ballgame surrounding comments that Josh Donaldson made in regards to Gerrit Cole’s spin rates in light of the MLB cracking down on pitchers using illegal substances on the baseball. Well known New York sports radio personality Michael Kay shared his two cents on the situation earlier today.

 

In the end, nothing played out on the diamond, as Cole never threw at Donaldson. Instead Cole just shut Donaldson’s bat down, as Donaldson went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts against Cole.

Bullpen Usage Chart

What's Next?

The Twins and Yankees wrap up the three game series Thursday Night at 7:10 pm CDT, as the Twins look to avoid the sweep with J.A. Happ facing his former team, while the Yankees will counter with Michael King.

View full article

[Aggies7]

I’ve never hated a twins team before. Many have made me angry, upset, disappointed...but I’ve never actually hated a twins team. But I hate this one.

How embarrassing of a night for the “bringer of rain”. Call a guy out for cheating then be shut down all night with a few k’s. He does more yapping than producing.

dobnak, sorry. Feel bad for the guy but wow, he got an extension based on what, exactly? His demeanor on the mound is almost as irritating as his performance. Three home runs allowed on 0-2 pitches. What’s the fine for that in player kangaroo court?

The last three innings of tonight’s game had the feel of a blowout high school game where the coach gets his scorekeeper and equipment manager an AB. They might have scored 20 if they actually tried.

[insagt1]

Twins can't beat the Yankees. That anyone can take to the bank. Regular season, playoffs...doesn't matter. Twins can't win. Their pitchers are no match for the hitters...its pretty sad. But this season, Twins are struggling to beat anyone, so that dilutes the angst somewhat.

[USAFChief]

The post game excuse is apparently a "ripped fingernail" for Dobnak. Good lord.

Lame.

[tony&rodney]

Didn't pay attention to post game .... "ripped fingernail"? ....  send him to St. Paul to buy a clippers or put him on the IL. That's IF there was an actual comment and I am not doubting a previous post but just did not see that.

[jkcarew]

Twins will end up paying Dobnak $9.25M over the next 5 years. The Yankees will be paying Garrit Cole that over the next 7 weeks.

In round averages, Cole is costing the Yankees about 20 times more than Dobnak is costing the Twins. And yet Dobnak only gave up 4 times as many runs.

I see what you did there, Jim! Dobnak’s deal was brilliant! It’s the kind of deal that dynasties are built upon.

In this case, the Polad family dynasty.

 

 

[mikelink45]

Let's face it Smeltzer was a good story that ended a long time ago, Dobnak was a good story, but it is getting old and no longer appropriate.  We need pitchers.  Who are they?  I do not know, but Happ, Shoemaker, and Dobnak do not make a major league rotation.  Let's hope Duran, Balazovic and Canterino - can you answer the bell?  

If the Yankees had felt any challenge we would have seen one of their real relievers out there.  Sad.  And was our defense good tonight?  NO - Donaldson had one great play, Simmons did not look sharp and Celestino needs to celebrate his hit because his throw was terrible.

Is Jax ready to go fly some jets again because he has been given one bad intro to MLB.  

As a major critic of Sano I have to give him credit for a really good game.  And Colome - way to go, they put up their scrubs, but you got them out, all but one. 

[mikelink45]

I apologize for posting twice - I just have to say that there are 101 games left and I am running out of things to say about this team.

[h2oface]

Dobnak. The Falvey/Levine building block of the Twins pitching staff. 

[Aerodeliria]

39 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

I apologize for posting twice - I just have to say that there are 101 games left and I am running out of things to say about this team.

How about some Haiku:

Dreams arise oh Twin

Green fields and days of glory,

Ah, nightmare depart.

[VivaBomboRivera!]

Besides Rod Carew interview, Celestino's first hit and two jacks from Polanco, most memorable thing about this game is a quote from Dick Bremer:

Quote

"I don't know who would want to disseminate this [broadcast]."

 

[mikelink45]

4 minutes ago, Aerodeliria said:

How about some Haiku:

Dreams arise oh Twin

Green fields and days of glory,

Ah, nightmare depart.

Twins of yesteryear

Your memories are still around

We wish you were too.

[Aerodeliria]

Dobnak was pretty bad in today's game and he pitched much better in the game 2  playoff against the Yankees. As I recall, he had two outs and the bases were loaded, but only one run had crossed. The Yankees had not hit a ball hard to that point in the game (two groundball singles and a walk in that inning I believe). I wasn't happy to see Baldelli come and get the ball in that game. He handed it to Duffy as I recall who promptly hung that knuckle curve of his to Gregorius and suddenly it was five runs.

[Aichiman]

I'm finished with this team.  I've followed them loyally since 1982, when I moved to Minneapolis.  And I left Minneapolis 23 years ago, but I still followed the Twins.  But I'm done; it's over.  This team will do nothing until ownership changes.  And I'm not willing to wait. I'm going back to my roots.  "Let's Go Mets!" will be my new/old mantra.  I'll use Trevor May to ease the transition.   I could say best of luck; but it'd be an empty gesture.  Instead, I invite you to follow my lead and dump this sorry franchise.

[FanFromPhilly]

1 hour ago, Aichiman said:

I'm finished with this team.  I've followed them loyally since 1982, when I moved to Minneapolis.  And I left Minneapolis 23 years ago, but I still followed the Twins.  But I'm done; it's over.  This team will do nothing until ownership changes.  And I'm not willing to wait. I'm going back to my roots.  "Let's Go Mets!" will be my new/old mantra.  I'll use Trevor May to ease the transition.   I could say best of luck; but it'd be an empty gesture.  Instead, I invite you to follow my lead and dump this sorry franchise.

I'm frustrated by this team but I don't understand these comments.  The Twins have won Word Series in 87 and 91 and the Mets have won in 69 and 86.  Why are the Twins the sorry franchise?

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, Aichiman said:

I'm finished with this team.  I've followed them loyally since 1982, when I moved to Minneapolis.  And I left Minneapolis 23 years ago, but I still followed the Twins.  But I'm done; it's over.  This team will do nothing until ownership changes.  And I'm not willing to wait. I'm going back to my roots.  "Let's Go Mets!" will be my new/old mantra.  I'll use Trevor May to ease the transition.   I could say best of luck; but it'd be an empty gesture.  Instead, I invite you to follow my lead and dump this sorry franchise.

I highlighted the sentence that I disagree with. I am not a huge fan of the Pohlad family, but I think the criticism is unwarranted. The Twins went from respected old-school baseball guy (Ryan) to forward-looking new generation guys (Falvey and Levine) and produced an improved product. Management and ownership spent money and in most people's estimation made an all-in gambit by signing Josh Donaldson and trading for Kenta Maeda.

It certainly appears that all the Twins will have to show is a couple of division titles and a home run record that might stand for a while. However, it seems to be reaching to blame ownership. As mentioned, they spent the money and stayed out of the front office's way. 

Falvey and Levine might not be as brilliant as they were thought to be, but I would wager neither would be unemployed long if Twins ownership decided to try someone else. IMHO, the same is true for Baldelli. 

I couldn't watch any more after Stanton hit his first homer, but that doesn't mean I want to light a torch and demand that the Pohlads sell the Twins. This season has been brutal and it doesn't look like things will change quickly. It's hard to be patient during these times, but sometimes it is the right course to take.

 

 

[rv78]

We understand Aichiman. I am beginning to feel that way too. The ownership of this team is not serious about winning much less building a dynasty or even a legitimate contender anymore. We were lied to about building Target Field for more revenue to bring in top Free Agents. Instead we still get guys like Happ, Shoemaker, Colome, Robles, Simmons, Garlick, Broxton? I'm sure I'm missing a few. The 2 significant signings of late have been Donaldson, (a big disappointment) and Cruz (is probably on his last season as he has really dropped off).  I've seen enough of Dobnak. That contract is a total waste of money. Seriously why would you give a guy 5 years when he can't stay out of the minors. The organization needs to quit taking chances on misfits and cast-offs.

[rv78]

Nothng will change until they start signing players like Bauer and Hendricks. Yes they are monster contracts but you get what you pay for and right now the Twins are paying for crap.

[wsnydes]

What Kay is suggesting would have resulted in Cole not finishing the game and getting suspended.  Whose point is proven by that?  Thankfully, Cole was above that.  As he should be.  Cole won this "battle" the way it should have been, on the field within the rules of the game.

This game went about how I expected it too, so I don't really have much to say about it.  It's just the same story, different game.  

[HrbieFan]

At least we got a HR with guys on base! I am tired if this team not being able to manufacture runs or get on base for the big bats. 

Positive for the night was Jax coming in on back to back games. Is that smart for a guy that was a SP in the Minors and went on normal rest? 

I want to pay attention to this team, but they make it so hard. There is no fight in them and little to get excited about. Maybe we'll be back in 2023 ?

[Otto von Ballpark]

4 hours ago, Aerodeliria said:

Dobnak was pretty bad in today's game and he pitched much better in the game 2  playoff against the Yankees. As I recall, he had two outs and the bases were loaded, but only one run had crossed. The Yankees had not hit a ball hard to that point in the game (two groundball singles and a walk in that inning I believe). I wasn't happy to see Baldelli come and get the ball in that game. He handed it to Duffy as I recall who promptly hung that knuckle curve of his to Gregorius and suddenly it was five runs.

You misremembered a bit. Dobnak was pulled in his playoff start with *nobody out* and the bases loaded in the third. “Hit a ball hard” or not (I don’t recall that part, but there was a leadoff double in the 1st), Dobnak’s line was 2 IP (so 6 outs), 6 hits, and 2 BB, and no strikeouts. I didn’t like the decision to bring in Duffey again so soon after the Yankees saw him in game 1, but Dobnak’s performance was not particularly effective either, even if it was better than last night.

[prouster]

53 minutes ago, rv78 said:

Nothng will change until they start signing players like Bauer and Hendricks. Yes they are monster contracts but you get what you pay for and right now the Twins are paying for crap.

Yes, we all remember the 2020 world champion Cincinnati Reds…and Oakland A’s. 

[roger]

If you want to learn more about the fingernail problem Dobber has, read today's Strib.  Good explanation of the problem and why he couldn't put pressure on some pitches like normal because of the one finger.

And those of you who like to blame the Pohlads, should also read the Strib where they talk about Stashak going on the IL.  He had been optioned to the Saints and was set to be placed on their AAA IL, where he would be paid a couple thousand a week.  Rather than do that, they jumped through whatever hoops and returned him to the Twins and placed him on the Twins IL, where he makes $ 3,050 a game...or about ten times more.  In my opinion that is an employer who cares about their employees and puts the dollars behind it, regardless of how big their loss was last year and will likely be again this year.

[garn from vancouver]

why was dobnak left in so long? the wheels had fallen off before the third home run.

[Dodecahedron]

The games don't matter anymore.  Games against the Yankees, doubly so.

To echo what other people have been saying, it's time to put the young people in the lineup.  Dobnak is one of those guys, so I absolutely support keeping him in the game this time.

[MMMordabito]

35 minutes ago, roger said:

If you want to learn more about the fingernail problem Dobber has, read today's Strib.  Good explanation of the problem and why he couldn't put pressure on some pitches like normal because of the one finger.

Reasons aren't excuses.  If he couldn't execute pitches due to the finger ailment, then he shouldn't have been out there.

Fire Rocco.

[Dodecahedron]

4 minutes ago, MMMordabito said:

Reasons aren't excuses.  If he couldn't execute pitches due to the finger ailment, then he shouldn't have been out there.

Fire Rocco.

If Rocco knew about this and still put Dobnak out there, yeah this is another Baldelli mistake.

[roger]

14 minutes ago, MMMordabito said:

Reasons aren't excuses.  If he couldn't execute pitches due to the finger ailment, then he shouldn't have been out there.

Fire Rocco.

Couldn't agree with you more.  And with that problem, get him out of the game earlier. 

Don't know what they are doing with Jax.  Someone will correct me if I am wrong, but hasn't he been a starter throughout his minor league career?  

[chpettit19]

5 minutes ago, roger said:

Couldn't agree with you more.  And with that problem, get him out of the game earlier. 

Don't know what they are doing with Jax.  Someone will correct me if I am wrong, but hasn't he been a starter throughout his minor league career?  

Yes, Jax has been a starter in the minors. That's why they used him yesterday to get through multiple innings. Earned himself another look and may get a spot start or 2. I'm guessing he's sent back to the minors today, though, so they can add a usable arm to the pen. Welcome to the life of a borderline prospect.

[terrydactyls]

1 hour ago, rv78 said:

Nothng will change until they start signing players like Bauer and Hendricks. Yes they are monster contracts but you get what you pay for and right now the Twins are paying for crap.

All you need to do is find a local businessman with a net worth with three commas (that's billions for those who are wondering), a passion for baseball, and a willingness to let others do all the "baseball stuff." There should be a bunch of them in the Twin Cities to pick from, right?